China Muslim Travel Guide 2025: Muslim Area, Halal Food, Prayer Spaces & Hotels

Planning a trip to China soon? You’re in for an incredible adventure, kawan! Whether it’s the rich Islamic history in Xi’an, shopping thrills in Shanghai 🛍️, or that first bite of perfectly juicy halal xiao long bao in Beijing 🍜—it’s easy to see why Malaysian Muslim travellers keep coming back. From stunning mosques to local Muslim food streets, China surprises in the best ways.

Of course, every country has its quirks—and China’s no different. That’s exactly why we put together this guide—practical, no-fluff tips made with Malaysian Muslim travellers in mind. You’ll find everything you wish you’d known before going: halal food hacks 🍗, where is Prayer Room, public transport must-knows 🚇, local etiquette 🙏, and how to stay connected 📶 without stress.

Whether you’re booking your flights to China ✈️ or searching for hotels in China 🏨, this guide will help you travel smarter and with more peace of mind.

Let’s jump into the travel tips and get you all set for your China adventure! 🧭🎒

Top 10 Muslim-Friendly Cities In China

China Halal Food

🏙️ Halal Food in SHANGHAI

1. Yershari

Yershari is a well-loved halal chain across China specializing in Uyghur cuisine. In Shanghai, it has become a go-to for locals and travelers looking for authentic Northwestern Chinese flavors. The name "Yershari" means “Jade City,” a poetic nod to Kashgar, and their dishes reflect centuries of Muslim culinary heritage.

2. Dong Yi Shun

One of the most prominent Hui Muslim restaurants in Shanghai, Dong Yi Shun serves up traditional Northern Chinese Muslim dishes in a casual setting. It's been a favorite for decades, especially among locals who crave halal dumplings and lamb soups.

3. Efendi Turkish Restaurant

Efendi brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Shanghai. Run by Turkish expats, it offers halal-certified meats and a chic atmosphere perfect for a more international meal — without compromising on halal standards.

🎡Popular Local Attractions & Cheap Tickets

Latest Trip.com Promo Code, Coupons, Flight Deals & Hotel Discounts for Malaysia

🎁Best Flight Deals on Trip.com

Latest Trip.com Flight Deals & Promotions for Malaysia

🏯 Halal Food in BEIJING

1. Hongbinlou

Founded in 1853, Hongbinlou is a Beijing institution for Hui-style halal dining. Rich in history, it serves elegant versions of Beijing classics in a refined setting. Its loyal following includes both locals and visitors.

2. Qingzhen Restaurant at Niujie

Located near the Niujie Mosque, this long-standing eatery is well-known for serving traditional Beijing Muslim food. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic, and deeply connected to the neighborhood’s heritage.

3. 1001 Nights Halal Restaurant

A more upscale Middle Eastern option, 1001 Nights offers halal-certified dishes from across the Arab world. Perfect when you’re craving something other than Chinese food, with an ambiance that feels like a Moroccan riad.

🕌 Halal Food in XI’AN

1. Lao Mi Jia Paomo

A local favorite, Lao Mi Jia is all about Yangrou Paomo, a hearty lamb soup that’s deeply embedded in Xi’an’s culinary identity. It’s fast, flavorful, and authentically Muslim Chinese.

2. Fan Ji Roujiamo

This small street-side eatery serves up some of the tastiest Roujiamo in Xi’an — a type of halal “Chinese burger” with shredded lamb or beef inside flaky bread. Quick, affordable, and iconic.

3. Daxue Muslim Restaurant

Located near Xi’an Jiaotong University, this spot is where locals and students alike enjoy halal classics at student-friendly prices. The food is flavorful, the vibe is relaxed, and everything is halal.

Muslim-Friendly Attractions in China

🕌 1. Niujie Mosque (Beijing)

Visiting Niujie Mosque felt like stepping into a living chapter of Islamic history in China. I was surrounded by calligraphy, old wooden beams, and the gentle quiet of worshippers. It’s not just the oldest mosque in Beijing—it’s the soul of the local Hui Muslim community.

📍 Location: Xicheng District, Beijing
✨ Must-Do: Join Friday prayers, explore Niujie Street for halal eats
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💡 Tips: Dress modestly; women may need to wear a headscarf
🎫 Ticket Price: Free entry

🕌 2. Great Mosque of Xi’an (Xi’an)

As I entered through a traditional Chinese-style gate, it was hard to believe I was at a mosque. The blend of Chinese architecture and Islamic devotion here was incredible—serene courtyards, Arabic inscriptions, and centuries of peaceful prayer.

📍 Location: Huajue Lane, near the Drum Tower, Xi’an
✨ Must-Do: Visit during non-prayer hours to stroll the inner courtyards
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
💡 Tips: Avoid prayer times if just visiting; entry to prayer hall restricted to Muslims
🎫 Ticket Price: ¥25 (non-Muslim visitors)

🕌 3. Id Kah Mosque (Kashgar)

Standing before Id Kah Mosque felt surreal—it’s grand, yellow-walled, and steeped in Uyghur culture. Locals gathered for prayer, and the air was filled with tradition. It’s the largest mosque in China and a powerful symbol of Islam in Xinjiang.

📍 Location: Central Square, Kashgar
✨ Must-Do: Observe Friday prayer from a respectful distance
🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (tourist access); closed during prayer
💡 Tips: Dress conservatively; always ask before taking photos
🎫 Ticket Price: ¥45 (non-Muslims)

🕌 4. Huxi Mosque (Shanghai)

Huxi Mosque gave me a sense of community in the middle of a bustling city. It’s active, peaceful, and surrounded by halal food spots—perfect for Muslim travelers seeking a spiritual pause in modern Shanghai.

📍 Location: Changning District, near Changshou Road MRT
✨ Must-Do: Visit during Jum’ah and enjoy halal Uyghur noodles nearby
🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💡 Tips: Women’s prayer space is limited—go early on Fridays
🎫 Ticket Price: Free

🕌 5. Southern Mosque (Guangzhou)

Walking into the Southern Mosque (Huaisheng Mosque) felt sacred—it’s said to be built by a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)! The architecture is modest but the energy is timeless.

📍 Location: Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
✨ Must-Do: See the ancient minaret tower, one of the oldest in the world
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💡 Tips: Try the halal restaurants nearby for authentic Cantonese-Muslim cuisine
🎫 Ticket Price: Free

🕌 6. Qingjing Mosque (Quanzhou)

I didn’t expect to find Arab-Islamic architecture in Fujian province, but Qingjing Mosque surprised me. Built in 1009 by Arab traders, it felt like an open-air museum of Islam’s early arrival in China.

📍 Location: Tumen Street, Quanzhou
✨ Must-Do: Visit the Islamic Culture Museum next door
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💡 Tips: Great stop for those exploring China’s Maritime Silk Road sites
🎫 Ticket Price: ¥25

🕌 7. Tongxin Great Mosque (Ningxia)

This mosque blew me away—round in layout and over 600 years old, it’s a spiritual and architectural marvel. The Hui community here welcomed me warmly and even shared local stories about the mosque’s heritage.

📍 Location: Tongxin County, Ningxia
✨ Must-Do: Attend a community prayer if possible
🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💡 Tips: Ask locals for the best time to visit; few tourists know about it
🎫 Ticket Price: Free

🕌 8. Xining Dongguan Mosque (Qinghai)

Xining’s Dongguan Mosque was buzzing with life. From the green dome to the soft sounds of Qur’an recitation, everything felt deeply rooted and real. It’s the largest mosque in western China.

📍 Location: Dongguan Street, Xining
✨ Must-Do: Attend a Friday prayer with the local Hui community
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💡 Tips: Perfect stop on the way to Qinghai Lake or Tibet gateway
🎫 Ticket Price: Free

🕌 9. Lanzhou Xiguan Mosque (Gansu)

I visited after a warm bowl of halal Lanzhou noodles—and found a beautiful, active mosque with minarets that seemed to touch the sky. The area around it is full of Muslim shops and bakeries.

📍 Location: Xiguan District, Lanzhou
✨ Must-Do: Pair your visit with a halal food crawl
🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💡 Tips: Mornings are less crowded; don’t miss the nearby noodle houses
🎫 Ticket Price: Free

🕌 10. Xinjiang Islamic Institute (Urumqi)

Though more educational than touristic, the Xinjiang Islamic Institute impressed me with its dedication to preserving Islamic scholarship in China. I felt inspired seeing students reciting Qur’an and studying fiqh.

📍 Location: Urumqi, Xinjiang
✨ Must-Do: Visit the nearby Grand Bazaar and mosque afterward
🕒 Opening Hours: Limited; inquire for guided visits
💡 Tips: Best for those interested in Islamic education and cultural exchange
🎫 Ticket Price: Free (may require prior permission)

Pray room in China

🕌 1. Mosques — Your Most Reliable Option

China has over 20,000 mosques, many of which are open daily and welcome Muslim travelers to pray.

• Big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangzhou, and Urumqi have active mosques with prayer halls for both men and women.
• Friday (Jum’ah) prayers are held at most large mosques.
• Women’s prayer areas may be smaller, so go early if possible.

🧭 Tip: Use Google Maps (with VPN) or Apple Maps in China and search keywords like “Mosque,” “清真寺 (Qīngzhēnsì),” or “Masjid.”

✈️ 2. Airports

Some major Chinese airports have Muslim prayer rooms, especially those with international terminals.

• Beijing Capital Airport (PEK): T3 has a small multi-faith prayer area.
• Shanghai Pudong (PVG): Some lounges offer quiet rooms, though official prayer spaces are rare.
• Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN): Offers a designated Muslim prayer room.

🧳 Tip: Ask airport staff at the information desk — they often know where hidden quiet rooms are.

🏨 3. Hotels

• Some international hotel chains (e.g., Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt) may offer prayer mats and qibla direction if you request in advance.
• Halal-friendly hotels in cities with large Muslim populations (like Xi’an, Lanzhou, or Urumqi) sometimes have small prayer areas or can direct you to a nearby mosque.

🏬 4. Shopping Malls & Tourist Attractions

Prayer rooms are rare in malls or public attractions, except in Muslim-majority regions like Xinjiang or Ningxia.

• In places like Muslim Quarters, locals will usually guide you to nearby mosques if asked politely.
• In a pinch, you can politely ask staff for a quiet, private space to pray — they are often understanding if you explain.

🧭 Apps to Help

• Muslim Pro
• HappyCow (for halal food, often near mosques)
• Qibla Finder via browser
• AutoNavi (Gaode Maps) — has more Chinese-language listings

Top Muslim-Friendly Hotels in Major Chinese Cities

🏙️1. Shangahi:

🕌 SSAWS Hotel (Shanghai Silk Road Cultural Exchange Center)

A Muslim-run hotel that offers halal meals, prayer facilities, and a strong cultural focus on Islamic hospitality.

📍 Location: No. 888 Tianshan Road, Changning District
✨ Why it’s great: Within walking distance to Huxi Mosque and halal restaurants
🍽️ Halal food: Yes, on-site
🧎‍♂️ Prayer room: Yes
💡 Best for: Muslim families, cultural travelers

🏨 Holiday Inn Express Zhabei

While not Muslim-run, it’s close to halal food areas and easy access to the metro.

📍 Location: No. 1738 Zhongxing Road, Zhabei
🍽️ Halal food: Nearby options (e.g., Uyghur eateries)
🧭 Nearby mosque: Huxi Mosque (10 min taxi)
💡 Best for: Budget travelers, groups

🏯 2. Beijing

🕌 Beijing Muslim Hotel

A well-known choice for Muslim travelers, with halal dining, a respectful atmosphere, and proximity to Niujie Mosque.

📍 Location: No. 10, Fatou Road, Fengtai District
🍽️ Halal food: On-site restaurant
🧎‍♂️ Prayer room: Yes
🕌 Near: Niujie Mosque (walking distance)
💡 Best for: Older travelers, those wanting full halal convenience

🏨 Mercure Beijing Downtown

International brand with staff who are usually accommodating to dietary requests. Not Muslim-run, but good for access.

📍 Location: No. 16 Jia, Xi Da Wang Road
🍽️ Halal food: Available nearby
🧭 Mosque: Niujie Mosque (20 min drive)
💡 Best for: Couples, business travelers

🕌 3. Xi’an

🕌 Ibis Xi’an Bell & Drum Tower Square – Muslim Quarter Hotel

A reliable international option right at the edge of the Muslim Quarter

📍 Location
· Northwest of Bell Tower, adjacent to Century Golden Flower Shopping Center & Bell Tower Metro Station

✨ Highlights
· Offers free Wi‑Fi, restaurant, laundry, air conditioning, and often free parking
· Close to iconic landmarks (Bell & Drum Towers) and countless halal street-food stalls

🕒 Booking Tips
· Rooms fill quickly—especially during weekend evenings—so reserve early
· Standard amenities include a restaurant, 24-hour desk, and family-friendly services

🏨 Y Hotel (Xi’an Bell & Drum Tower Muslim Street)

A newer boutique-style choice on Miaohou Street, blending convenience with halal hospitality.

📍 Location: No. 202 Miaohou Street, within walking distance of Bell Tower/Muslim Quarter
✨ Highlights: On-site halal breakfast, 24‑hour front desk, airport/train pick-up service
🕒 Booking Tips: Check-in at 14:00, breakfast included; very popular among group travelers

🧳 What to Look for When Booking:

✅ Halal-certified meals or nearby halal restaurants

✅ Close to a mosque or prayer space

✅ Prayer mat and qibla direction upon request

✅ Modest staff service and privacy-conscious room setup

✅ Muslim-owned or operated hotels (where possible)

Final Tips for a Smooth & Soulful Muslim Trip in China

🕌 1. Plan Around Prayer

Mosques are your anchors – Big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Guangzhou have accessible mosques.

Download Muslim Pro, Qibla Finder, or use offline apps to track prayer times.

In areas without prayer rooms, politely ask for a quiet corner—Chinese staff are often helpful when you explain.

🍽️ 2. Halal Food is Available—But Varies

Look for signs with “清真” (Qīngzhēn) — the Chinese word for halal.

Uyghur and Hui Muslim restaurants are the safest bet: lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, etc.

Bring snacks or instant meals (like Maggi or Brahim’s) for remote areas or train rides.

🧕 3. Dress & Behave Modestly

Chinese people are generally respectful, but modest clothing helps avoid unwanted attention—especially at mosques or rural areas.

Headscarves are welcomed in mosques; locals may even smile in appreciation of your faith and dress.

💬 4. Language Tips

Download offline Chinese-English dictionary apps like Pleco.

Learn these key words:

Halal: 清真 (Qīngzhēn)

Mosque: 清真寺 (Qīngzhēnsì)

No pork: 不要猪肉 (Bù yào zhūròu)

💳 5. Bring Cash + WeChat or Alipay

Many places still prefer cash, but mobile payments are everywhere.

Use Alipay for Tourists (international version) to pay at halal restaurants, stores, and even mosques.

Visa/Mastercard often not accepted in smaller places.

🚇 6. Transport is Muslim-Friendly

Public transport is clean, safe, and reliable—even for hijabi travelers.

Trains often serve pork, so bring your own meals/snacks.

Airports & high-speed rail stations sometimes have multi-faith rooms, but don’t always advertise them—ask.

📱 7. Use a VPN + Offline Maps

Access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram is blocked without a VPN. Download one before arriving (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN).

Use Baidu Maps or AutoNavi (Gaode) for navigation. Apple Maps also works well in China.

🧳 8. Stay in Muslim-Friendly Hotels

Book hotels near mosques or Muslim neighborhoods (e.g., Niujie in Beijing, Muslim Quarter in Xi’an).

Ask for qibla direction and prayer mat when checking in.

❤️ 9. Show Your Faith Gently

China is officially secular, but Islam is recognized and respected—especially in ethnic Muslim areas.

Kindness, patience, and a smile go a long way when explaining your halal or prayer needs.

🌍 10. Embrace the Unexpected

China is a land of contrast: ancient mosques beside skyscrapers, halal dumplings next to bubble tea shops.

Keep your heart open—you’ll find faith, flavor, and friendships in the most unexpected corners.

✅And that’s a wrap! With all the tips we've covered, you’re more than ready to explore China as a Malaysian Muslim traveller 🧳 From finding halal food in China to knowing where to go for prayer, transport, and cultural etiquette — it’s these little things that turn a good trip into a great one.

Each city in China has its own personality — whether it’s the ancient charm of Xi’an, the modern buzz of Shanghai, or the cultural soul of Beijing. Part of the joy is discovering how each place welcomes you a little differently, with its own flavours, faces, and rhythm.

If you're still fine-tuning your plans, don’t forget to browse flights to China, check out top hotels in China, or get inspired by this list of things to do in China — all to make your journey smooth and stress-free.

Have a great trip, and enjoy every moment of your adventure in China! 🌟